By James McManus

0

Sep 20, 2012 06:32:00

The 24-year-old centre-back has caught the eye of scouts at Old Trafford since the start of the season, having failed to secure a move to a bigger club in the summer

Manchester United are thought to be in the hunt for Torino defender Angelo Ogbonna's signature, but he will cost the club as much as £16 million (€20m) according to the Italian side's director Gianluca Petrachi.

With Phil Jones and Chris Smalling still out injured and 33-year-old Rio Ferdinand approaching the end of his career, Sir Alex Ferguson reportedly has an eye on tying up a deal for the highly-rated Italy international who has attracted attention from the likes of Arsenal, Juventus and AC Milan recently.

However, the Premier League side have been warned that the defender is not a cheap option.

"I guarantee there are observers of many foreign clubs who follow our games, including United’s scouts," Petrachi told Tuttomercatoweb.

“Most of the time they come just to see Ogbonna because he is a player who has great potential.

“Last year we refused £10m (€12.5m) for him but it is clear he is worth more than £16m (€20m).

“Angelo has the desire to do better but I believe he should continue to grow with Torino.”

His price will have risen since last season having made Cesare Prandelli's Italy squad for Euro 2012 and helping Torino win promotion back into Serie A. Ogbonna also featured in August's 2-1 friendly defeat against England in Switzerland.

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